NFL Punishes Several Bills Players Before Jaguars Playoff Clash
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Heading into a pivotal NFL Wild Card playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills received a disciplinary note from the league. Just before their January 11, 2026, postseason matchup, the NFL announced punishments (fines) for several Bills players stemming from actions in their Week 18 win over the New York Jets.
These measures came as the Bills were gearing up for one of the most important games of their season, and although they won’t affect player availability on the field, they highlight the league’s commitment to enforcing conduct standards even in high-stakes moments.
Bills Players Fined Ahead of Playoffs
According to league reports, the NFL disciplined the following Buffalo Bills players for unsportsmanlike actions during their regular-season finale against the New York Jets:
- A.J. Epenesa (DE): Fined $14,491 for unsportsmanlike conduct and removal of helmet in the third quarter.
- Tylan Grable (OT): Fined $5,569 for unsportsmanlike conduct and a violent gesture in the second quarter.
- Jordan Hancock (DB): Fined $5,111 for unnecessary roughness (late hit) in the same game.
Moreover, these fines are part of the league’s weekly disciplinary actions that focus on player safety and maintaining competitive integrity.
Why the NFL Issues These Punishments
The NFL and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) agree on a set of conduct rules and violations each season, outlining those that can result in fines or other accountability measures. The league states these are intended to:
- Protect players from unnecessary risk
- Preserve competitive balance
- Enforce rules consistently across teams and games
Officials review game footage from the previous week to identify incidents that warrant disciplinary action, often those missed or under-called during live play.
What Bills Fans Should Know Before Kickoff
- The Bills clinched a 12-5 regular-season record and the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs.
- Their Wild Card game against the Jaguars is a road contest and carries major postseason implications.
- Despite discipline from the NFL, all fined players are cleared to play, and injuries and roster moves will determine the Bills’ depth chart closer to game time.
Conclusion
Moreover, the NFL’s disciplinary action against multiple Buffalo Bills players ahead of their Wild Card playoff clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars is part of the league’s routine enforcement of conduct and safety rules.
